Management of spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage.

One hundred and six patients with suspected or confirmed spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage were analysed to determine the management and referral patterns. The cases were classified into six groups on the basis of the computerised tomography (CT) scan/lumbar puncture (LP) findings. Subarachnoid haemorrhage was the commonest lesion. Thirty-four point four per cent of these were complicated. LP was performed inappropriately in a large number of cases. Late referral was a problem in some instances. In suspected intracranial haemorrhage CT scan is the investigation of choice. Lumbar puncture should be deferred and only performed following consultation with a neurosurgeon.